MURCIA, Negros Occidental, Philippines — Rico Depilo, a regular contender who has yet to clinch a title, surged into the spotlight with a bogey-free 64, forcing a three-way tie for the lead midway through the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge yesterday.
Sharing the top spot at eight-under 132 with seasoned pro Angelo Que (63) and rising star Aidric Chan (66), Depilo set the stage for a thrilling battle at the P2.5 million tournament at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club.
Meanwhile, Chanelle Avaricio fired a brilliant seven-under 63, catching an equally in-form Daniella Uy at the top of the leaderboard and setting up a thrilling showdown for the ladies crown.
Avaricio, a multi-titled Ladies Philippine Golf Tour campaigner, had four birdies in the opening holes then carried that momentum into the back nine. She added three more birdies to produce a flawless 31-32 round, putting herself firmly in contention for the P117,000 champion’s purse in the P1 million tournament presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp.
Uy delivered her own flawless performance, firing a 65 highlighted by an eagle on the par-4 No. 7.